Developing Medical Detectives for Project Lead the Way
My students need electrophoresis kits, brains to dissect, human senses kits, DNA extraction kits, gel chambers, syringes, and other materials to do our Medical Detectives unit for Project Lead the Way.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Science for my students is more than pictures in a book; they thrive on hands-on skills that will lead to jobs in the sciences or give them valuable skills in any workplace.
My students are wonderful but are often the overlooked students.
Growing up in rough neighborhoods, poor families, and lots of bad influences has caused so many of my students to already get into trouble and become discarded by society. Many others just struggle with catching up with information they missed for so many reasons.
Many of my students can't afford their basic school supplies, but I never let a student go without. To break this cycle of poverty, my students need opportunities to get skilled jobs. Giving students real world science skills will help prepare them for a job in the sciences or give them the applicable skills to get a job in any field of their choice.
My Project
Through the Project Lead the Way curriculum and the electrophoresis kits, brains to dissect, human senses kits, DNA extraction kits, gel chambers, syringes, and other materials, my students will explore the world of Medical Detectives. They will extract their own DNA while learning about the structure and uses of DNA in the world. The students will dissect a sheep's brain while learning more about their own senses and how the brain processes information. With this knowledge they will practice diagnosing diseases that can effect the brain. Their culminating activity will put them in the role of a CSI technician, where they will examine various forms of evidence, including DNA, and process the evidence to determine the culprit. They will then present their case with evidence to a jury practicing the rules of lawyers and expert witnesses giving (scientific evidence only).
All this practice with scientific lab methods will provide them with a foundation of skills and knowledge that can lead to a career in a number of fields.
Having basic lab skills can help lead these students to better jobs and a better life out of the cycle of poverty.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Lester and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
